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Large turnout for Bike To Work Day breakfast

Bicycles littered the grassy area in front of City Hall early Wednesday morning as many commuters chose to ride in honor of Bike To Work Day.

The cyclists, many dressed in bright yellow shirts, lined up for the free breakfast that celebrated the occasion.

City Hall and Crossroads Fitness, near Horizon Drive, were the two locations bikers could stop on their way to work for a free breakfast as part of the statewide “holiday.”

Bike To Work Day has expanded in the last three years from a daylong celebration into a month-long celebration, something that the Grand Valley Bike Month planning committee thought was necessary. The committee consists of different businesses from the area, the Mesa County Health Department and the Colorado Department of Transportation.

“All month we were doing acts to help gear people up,” said Heidi Hoffman, a member of the planning committee.

Hoffman also said that the committee tried to organize events that promoted commuting safely.

A Bike To Work Day awards ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Edgewater Tap & Grill. A trophy for “Workplace Commuter Champion,” will be given to the business with the highest number of commuters. Other awards will be given for “Longest Commute,” “Most Unique Bike To Work” and “Age/Miles Award” for the youngest and oldest participants.

The Mesa County Health Department’s pack of commuters, approximately 135 members, was likely the front-runners for the 2013 trophy. Hoffman, who rode in with the department, said they believe in the many benefits of riding a bike.

“It’s good for your health: it helps with chronic disease, it’s a stress reliever and it’s good for the environment. It’s also a nice way to be a part of the community,” Hoffman said.

For some riders, riding to work was part of their daily routine. Rod Sessum said he regularly rides three days a week.

“It’s good for people to get out and do it; you don’t need to go to the gym for exercise,” Sessum said.

Hoffman said she was excited because of the high turnout for breakfast.

“I am thrilled about the turnout. I knew there was a lot of interest, I know that a lot do — or a lot want to ride to work. It shows the high interest in biking in our community,” Hoffman said.